The Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize 2 Ton Tony's Pizza of 545 Titus Avenue as the featured business for February 2017.

Tony Proietti, a name that comes with a local food pedigree, has been in the pizza business for a total of 20 years, opening 2 Ton Tony's in 2010.

“I was born in it," Tony says. His family opened Prioetti's Pizza in 1965 and he was born a year later. The family pizza parlor was located at Goodman and Norton for 26 years. 2 Ton Tony's continues to be a family business, with Tony's wife Kathy, who has a banking background, handling personnel and financial matters.

The business started with 5 employees and now employs 38. They serve pizza, including specialty and breakfast pizza, chicken wings, salads, subs, calzones, fish fry, appetizers, and Perry's Ice Cream, all available for eat-in or take-out. They also cater school lunches, provide food supply for Titus Tavern and Marge's Lakeside Inn, and serve Seabreeze Amusement Park and Rochester General Hospital.

Tony and Kathy prize their deep roots in the community. “When you own a business, it is a gift," Kathy says. “It's really important to us to give back." They both belong to Irondequoit Rotary and ITALEO; she is also a Sunset House board member and volunteer, and is on the Fr. Bob Hale Golf Tournament committee at St. Kateri Parish; he also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. Among the many charities they support are: Helmer Nature Center, the Josh Rojas Foundation, Sunset House, Tyler Putnam Foundation, Irondequoit Community Cupboard, Irondequoit Nightstick Club, Alle Shea Project, Stepping Stones Learning Center, Summerville Presbyterian Church, Eastridge Alumni Association, Girl and Boy Scouts, as well as sponsoring youth sports teams.

“I like serving good food, and I also like that we create jobs and are part of the community," Tony says.

2 Ton Tony's Fun Fact: Tony can make a small pizza in 25 seconds, and a large in 40 seconds—often “racing" with the kids who work for him.

“The business keeps evolving. I like to think we are a trendsetter in the Rochester pizza business," Tony says. Kathy adds, “Our dream is to make this into an old-school, sit-down pizza parlor."

2 Ton Tony's is located at 545 Titus Avenue, adjacent to the Titus Mall and DMV near the corner of Hudson Avenue. For hours, menu, coupons, and more, call (585) 266-8669(TONY) or visit: 266tony.com